SITE NEWS

So, about two weeks ago, I randomly got the urge to go through the TechDex descriptions in case any entries needed editing; this was mainly prompted by the fact that the old description for Pay Day didn't mention how much money would be made after the battle. I thought it would be a pretty easy process since I've already gone through the move descriptions on multiple occasions. Quick, simple job, right?

Wrong. I don't know what substances I was abusing when I looked over the move descriptions in the past, but so many of them needed work. I can't even mention any specific attacks because almost all of them had to be revised in at least some capacity. The old descriptions generally left out a lot of details, did not mention any exceptions for when and how a move works, were actually flat-out WRONG for many Diamond and Pearl moves (I think my favorite mistake was Judgment changing the user's type to match its held plate) and were grammatical nightmares that were written well over six years ago.

Well, the first element of this description overhaul is that almost every move description for all 467 Pokemon attacks in all four generations was written to have provide details and exceptions and, more importantly, correct mechanics and correct grammar. The entries have also been revised for consistency; we used to vary between using "to burn" or "of burning" to describe an attack that burns another Pokemon, and we also used to use words like "foe" or "opponent" for moves that could affect a Pokemon's partner in double battles (in which case "target" would be more appropriate), but I'm happy to report that those inconsistencies have all be ironed out.

We've also added convenient links to other pages throughout all of the entries. If a move's entry mentions another move, there's a link to the second move's page. If an ability is mentioned, there's a link to the abilities page. If a permanent or temporary status effect is mentioned, we have a link to the new page that runs down Status Effects and other annoying conditions. If a complicated move requires in-depth coverage, there's a link for the page. Additionally, we'll be adding short entries, if applicable, for moves that have specialized abilities on the overworld field.

It might not seem like a very big deal, but this was a very laborious process for me (and all of the nice people in the #psypoke chatroom who played a role in helping) because I had to test so many off-the-wall scenarios for move mechanics and toil over the best way to word sentences so that they had clarity. I really hope these new descriptions are helpful to you all! Also, feel free to e-mail us if you spot anything I've overlooked (which is certainly possible considering I'm so burned out after working on this project for two whole weeks)!

There are a still few kinks to work out in the database and with the links, and a few (read: less than ten) particularly annoying moves like Metronome still need to be updated, but I should be able to smooth everything over by the end of the day (or tomorrow at the latest).